Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together.

At its sixth plenary meeting last February, the North-South Ministerial Council noted the completion of the Government's consultation with the social partners on the subject of the North-South consultative forum and noted the position regarding the review of the civic forum in Northern Ireland.

Discussions with the social partners and various cross-Border and North-South groups on the consultative forum were completed earlier this year. A paper has been prepared setting out the Government's proposals relating to the role, format, membership and operation of a forum, which has been provided to the Northern Ireland Executive in advance of the next meeting of the North-South Ministerial Council, now scheduled for 23 January 2009.

I understand the review of the civic forum in Northern Ireland is ongoing and expected to be completed shortly.

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